Kyrie Irving Injury: Updates on Cavaliers Star's Knee and Return

Kyrie Irving's already had one injury scare this year. The Cleveland Cavaliers' point guard is now dealing with another in the aftermath of his team's 101-91 loss to the Miami Heat on Christmas Day. He confirmed play in Cleveland's next game vs. Atlanta.

Continue for updates.

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Irving to Return vs. Hawks

Tuesday, Dec. 30

Dave McMenamin of ESPN confirmed that Kyrie Irving would play on Tuesday:

McMenamin previously reported that Irving is expected to play for the Cavaliers as they take on the Hawks.

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Irving Won't Play vs. Pistons

Sunday, Dec. 28

Chris Haynes of Cleveland.com reports Irving is out Sunday vs. Detroit:

It is Irving's second missed game after suffering the knee injury.

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Irving Evaluated for Knee Contusion

Thursday, Dec. 25

Bleacher Report's Ethan J. Skolnick had the news after the game:

During a Dec. 11 game against the Oklahoma City Thunder, Irving leaped to defend a Russell Westbrook shot. While in the air, Irving made contact with Westbrook, landed awkwardly on his left knee and fell to the court. After a lengthy spell getting looked at by Cleveland's trainers, Irving was helped back to the locker room.

Cavs fans immediately expected the worst, but it turned out Irving only had a left knee contusion.

While the whole thing came to nothing, it was a stark reminder of how quickly fortunes can change for a team. As long as Irving, LeBron James and Kevin Love are healthy, the Cavaliers are title contenders.

Take one of those three out of the equation, and Cleveland is simply an above-average team in the Eastern Conference.